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Week 2 of the College Football slate has no shortage of intriguing games. There are a host of showdowns featuring ranked teams, and a few between powerhouse conferences. This weekly piece will speak about the possible upsets, along with lines (provided by ESPN Bet). Here are 10 teams that should be on upset alert in Week 2…
Duke at Northwestern (NU -2.5)
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In the unofficial ‘Battle of the Brains’ installment, Duke heads to Evanston for a non-conference tilt versus Northwestern. The Wildcats are a slight favorite — though you shouldn’t feel super comfortable if you happen to have a pro-Northwestern vested interest in this game. The Blue Devils won their opener 26-3 against Elon. In the contest, Manny Diaz’s defense allowed only 140 yards for the entire game. Texas transfer QB Maalik Murphy threw for 291 yards and 2 TDs. Meanwhile, Northwestern slogged through a 13-6 win at home over Miami (OH). Duke is a more talented team top to bottom, and Northwestern isn’t exactly a program boasting a difference-making homefield advantage.
BYU at SMU (SMU -10.5)
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BYU is not a fun team to play against. Aside from being traditionally big and physical, the Cougars are also an older team based on the unique nature of the mission culture in Provo. SMU (2-0) has taken care of business versus Nevada and Houston Christian in consecutive weeks. The Mustangs struggled versus Nevada before pulling away for the five-point victory. While SMU may win this contest, the line on this game seems weirdly large. BYU signal-caller threw for 348 yards and 3 TDs in BYU’s season opener, and sophomore rusher LJ Martin leads a balanced ground game for the Cougars.
Texas at Michigan (Texas -7.5)
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Texas is loaded, and Michigan is in somewhat of a ‘rebuild’ year. However, we can’t designate it as such considering the returning talent on the defense. Quinn Ewers and company will be heading into a very hostile environment. It could help to negate the talent edge UT possesses on the offensive side of the ball. The Wolverines will likely aim to pound the rock and take the tempo way down. The front seven led by Mason Graham is legit, and don’t forget about Will Johnson in the secondary, either. Be careful, Longhorns…
Arkansas at Oklahoma State (OSU -7.5)
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We could be in for some offensive fireworks in this contest. Mike Gundy loves to throw the ball, and he’s got an elite RB in Ollie Gordon to boot. Amid all of the pressure on Sam Pittman, he may have found a game-changer at QB in Boise State transfer Taylen Green. Albeit against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Green was phenomenal — throwing for 229 yards and 2 TDs. He also amassed 88 yards rushing and 2 TDs in only six carries. Green’s ability to run and evade when the play breaks down makes him very tough to gameplan for. The improvisational nature he brings to the table could correlate with one of Pittman’s biggest wins during his tenure as the Razorbacks’ head coach.
Iowa State at Iowa (Iowa -2.5)
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Rivalry games can go either way. In this case, the Cyclones are aiming to upend an Iowa team with a strong defense and a questionable offense. Yes, Cade McNamara looked good in the season opener versus Illinois State. But, Matt Campbell’s team is considerably better in comparison to last week’s opponent. QB Rocco Becht was highly efficient in the opener, and WR Jaylin Noel (8 catches for 135 yards and a TD) looks like the real deal.
Kansas at Illinois (KU -5)
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The line on this game is a bit curious. Under Lance Leipold, KU has developed into a sleeper pick to win the Big 12. The combination of Jalon Daniels and Devin Neal is as explosive a duo as you’ll find in the college game today. Illinois is coming off a 45-0 shellacking of Eastern Illinois. Bret Bielema’s team has dealt with some offensive woes over the past few seasons. However, if the Fighting Illini can sustain drives — coupled with what should be a raucous crowd in Champaign, things could get interesting.
Colorado at Nebraska (NU -7.5)
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This is a very fascinating matchup. Nebraska is in Year 2 of the Matt Rhule project. The Cornhuskers on paper look far more capable in being able to weather the choppy waters of the Big Ten. With true freshman QB Dylan Raiola, and an advantage on both lines, it’s not surprising to see Nebraska favored at home in this game. However, don’t count out Colorado completely. The Buffaloes will have the two best players in this game (Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter). Hunter’s explosiveness was on full display in the opening win versus North Dakota State. While NU is bigger up front, the Buffaloes have a very explosive passing attack.
Tennessee at NC State (UT -8)
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This will be a real test for Nico Iamaleava. Going on the road versus a game NC State squad is no picnic. Dan Doeren is one of the country’s most underrated coaches. His teams are physical, disciplined, and fundamentally sound. It also helps to have a veteran QB like Grayson McCall. The Coastal Carolina transfer is a calming influence for this offense. The Vols are quite explosive in their own right, though this contest will present more than a handful of challenges.
Oregon State at SDSU (OSU -6)
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Oregon State is the prohibitive favorite here. The Beavs are a deeper team coming from the Power 5 level. With Trent Bray taking over as the head coach, continuity still exists within the program. Having said that, SDSU has a bit of a buzz now with new head coach Sean Lewis. An offensive mind himself, he opted to start true freshman QB Danny O’Neil in the 45-14 win over Texas A&M-Commerce. O’Neill threw for 214 yards and 2 TDs. Could we see a similar performance versus Oregon State?
Michigan State at Maryland (Maryland -8)
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This is another contest with a line that seems a bit too big. Yes, Maryland is playing at home. The Terps do boast some strong talent on the offensive side of the ball (Bill Edwards Jr., Roman Hemby, Tai Felton, Kaden Prather). However, this game is an opportunity for new head coach Jonathan Smith and QB Aidan Chiles to announce themselves to the Big Ten world. Both coming over from Michigan State, the Spartans should be better in Week 2 after somewhat of a slow start during a 16-10 win over FAU. Chiles — a native of Southern California — is an exceptionally gifted thrower of the football. Tune in on Saturday, and you may see this prolific nature on full display.
